Improve your Web connection speed

How you can tweak a few settings for zippier Internet speeds?

Here's how you can tweak a few settings for zippier Internet speeds.

1 Say no to reserve bandwidth

By default, a Windows XP computer sets aside 20 per cent of your bandwidth for the operating system (OS).

To undo the setting, go to Start and click on Run. Type 'gpedit.msc' in the Run box. This will show the Group Policy Editor.

Click on Computer Configuration, followed by Administrative Templates and then Network on the left navigation bar. Then select QOS Packet Scheduler. Right click on Limit reservable bandwidth and select properties.

The message 'not configured' pops up but this doesn't mean that no bandwidth is reserved.

The default setting is hidden. To undo it, manually set reserve bandwidth to 0 per cent. You can do this by clicking enabled and then setting the bandwidth limit to 0. Then click OK to exit.

2 Optimise TCP/IP settings

Download a nifty piece of freeware called SG TCP Optimizer. This sets up the best way your PC sends and receives data packets for improved connection speeds.

You don't need to install the software. To run the program, just double-click on the icon at: www.speedguide.net/ downloads.php

A window will pop up. Under the General Settings tab, drag the slider to match your connection's download speed. Then select the Optimal Settings radio button and click Apply Changes.

Another window will pop up. Make sure the Backup box is ticked and then click OK. You'll be asked to reboot your system for the changes to take effect.

By Irene Tham